Santorini Shore Excursion: Discover Hidden Gems

Embark on an authentic half-day tour of Santorini, exploring the island’s hidden gems and experiencing its true beauty away from the crowds. Discover non-touristy areas and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this stunning destination.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Mesaria - Discover the old-fashioned village of Messaria located in the center of the island. Take a taste of authentic local life.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • On-board WiFi
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • The rate does not include personal expenses such as food, drinks, souvenirs, and gratuities.
  • The cable car ticket costs 6 euros per person per way.
Additional Information

The Undiscovered Santorini Half Day Shore Excursion is an ideal tour! This journey guides you to the less frequented and off-the-beaten-track locations of the island.

Situated in the center-southern region of Santorini, it presents you an extraordinary and bona fide experience. Uncover the island’s concealed treasures and soak in its real charm devoid of the swarm and agitation of crowds.

Location
Mesaria
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(34 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Anna_w
Jul 8, 2025
Yiannis was a 3 for 1 (Driver, Sommelier, and Photographer) - The private tour was the best way to experience Santorini. Not only was Yiannis a resident of Santorini, therefore very familiar with the island, he is also a sommelier! Although we are not wine connoisseurs, he taught us some very good information with the impromptu winery visit. Yiannis was very patient with my sudden shopping in Oia and also took us to the perfect photographic spots and played photographer. I highly recommend this tour/Yiannis and would do it again!
Review provided by Viator
Road05459335735
Jul 1, 2025
Exceptional Santorini Experience - We did a private tour with Markos. Prior to the tour, we corresponded about what we wanted to do and see and he fully customized the tour to our preferences. Took us to a wonderful local family restaurant on the sea for lunch. He was a wealth of information and answered all questions, making the day fun! If you want to avoid the large shore excursion crowds and do/see what you want to, book with Markos
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside747729
Jun 26, 2025
Unique - Sometimes you simply win! My husband and I have had the good fortune of experiencing many tour guides over the years - some have been good, some very good but few great. Markos was great! Extremely knowledgeable of the region, history and culture. More importantly his company was a pleasure. We asked for a unique experience and he delivered. I can recommend Markos without qualification.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip492315
Jun 17, 2025
Authentic Santorini - We hit the jackpot with our Santorini tour. We had a private tour with Markos of I Am Santorini . He took us to the blue domes of Oia of course and off the beaten path to Messari. He also introduced us to a 3rd generation local restaurant, Galini Fish Tavern and Restaurant in Vothonas at Agia Paraskevi Beach. Much better experience than a large group tour of just the tourist spots.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
708ulricha
May 17, 2025
A Greek soul with a Bavarian heart! - Even the first contact was warm and characterized by Greek friendliness. At no point did we feel that this was about a business, but rather an invitation to friends. When we could then personally shake hands in Santorini Markos, that warmth was immediately back. And Markos was more than a friendly host, because we were ultimately guests in his country. He was a professional, caring guide who was always concerned about our well-being. With him we were allowed to discover the hidden beauties of Santorini, away from the tourist hustle and bustle. No question remained unanswered and he gave us exciting insights into the culture of Santorini and spiced it up with personal experiences. At no time did boredom arise; quite the contrary, with his own Greek-Bavarian slander he packaged all the information in an exciting, easy-to-understand form. Even the most beautiful time ends once, but not without a culinary fireworks display. In a small family tavern we were allowed to enjoy the Greek hospitality and traditional Greek dishes. The wine in blue bottles completes the whole thing. Markos thanks for this experience and that you live Greece and with a Bavarian heart. We strongly recommend you here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
119adamc
Apr 22, 2025
Best day ever! - Our tour with Markos Kyriakakis last week was fantastic. We took his "Unseen Authentic Santorini" tour, but I'm sure all of his tours are amazing. If you are staying at a hotel in one of the busier cities, you will see plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful picture worthy sites easily on your own. Why not see the rest with someone who lives there and can show you the rest of the island? Markos picked us up at the airport (he also picks people up from the cruise port) in a large comfortable SUV and headed to his hometown of Messaria where we saw beautiful blue domed churches and bells with bougainvillea and he explained to us how local churches work. He took us to multiple viewpoints of the island and taught us the history and culture of Santorini. Markos is such a people person. As soon as he picked us up, we felt like we were part of his family and he was showing us where he lived. As you can tell from his pictures, Markos is just a fun person to be around and that makes a huge difference. He took us to a fabulous bakery, walked the beach with us, and allowed us some time at Akrotiri to wander the ruins. We were not rushed at all and in fact, he spent much more time with us than the planned time. At the end of the tour, he dropped us off at our hotel in Oia and pointed out some not to be missed restaurants and a wonderful gelato stop. Thanks so much for your time, talents, and care Markos. I will recommend you to anyone I know who visits Santorini!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pensbeachbum
Nov 12, 2024
Private tour in Santorini - Our afternoon with Markos was outstanding in every way. He was recommended by friends who toured with him last year and had told us we would not be disappointed. We were able to see and experience places that we would never have known about if we didn't go on this tour. And Markos is so much fun! I highly recommend his services on the beautiful island of Santorini.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V3585fhjohnw
Nov 4, 2024
A great experience in Santorini - Markos is a wonderful tour guide, during our tour with him we experienced many wonderful parts of Santorini. He timed our tour to experience the sunset on a beautiful black sand beach and showed us beautiful views of the island from the top of the hills. The tour he provided was a great introduction to the island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dmccarri
Sep 10, 2024
Memorable day in Santorini - Booked Marcos for a private tour. Ended being the best tour of our vacation. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Took us to places we would not have seen otherwise. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jayashreen_13
Sep 3, 2024
A personalized tour of Santorini’s hidden gems - Markos was a wonderful host who gave us a tailored experience of the hidden gems of Santorini. He took us to the popular sites but also showed us some off-the-beaten track places that gave us a new appreciation for the island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $176
up to 4 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).